The ceremony was simple. In a quiet church, in a city where violence is all too common, the name of each murder victim from the past year was read aloud. A candle was lit.
Dozens of names, dozens of candles.
And a week later, the same parish welcomed and lit candles for 11 women, each one carrying a new life.
The two ceremonies took place a week apart at Sacred Heart Church in South Camden.
On Sunday, Nov. 21, the parish welcomed 90 family members of those murdered in the City of Camden from Nov. 22, 2009 to Nov. 21, 2010 to the 10:30 Mass. There were 38 murders during that period of time, and 34 since January 2010.
As each name was called, a member of the family or parishioner received a shield with the person’s name and a candle which he or she lit from the Paschal Candle. The individual then stood in the front of the church until all names were called.
Msgr. Michael Doyle, pastor, then raised the Paschal Candle, and all the candles were raised to sing, “On Eagle’s Wings.”
Three more murders in the city have taken place since the Mass, making 37 murder victims so far for 2010.
On Sunday, Nov. 28, the parish blessed 15 expecting mothers, four at the 8:30 a.m. Mass and 11 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Each received a candle lit from the Advent Wreath.
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